US Concerns South Korea Network Act Revision 2025: Tech Diplomacy Under Strain
The U.S. State Department has voiced 'significant concerns' over South Korea's Network Act revision, citing potential censorship and harm to U.S. tech platforms.
The fight against deepfakes is sparking a diplomatic firestorm. The U.S. State Department isn't happy with South Korea’s latest move to police the internet, warning that it could stifle free speech and harm American tech giants.
US Concerns South Korea Network Act Revision 2025: Censorship or Security?
On December 31, 2025, Washington expressed "significant concerns" over Seoul's amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act. According to Yonhap News, the State Department argues the law—intended to curb defamatory deepfakes—goes too far. They believe it imposes unnecessary barriers on U.S.-based online platforms and grants regulators powers that mimic censorship.
Deepfakes are understandably concerning, but it's better to give victims civil remedies than give regulators invasive license for viewpoint-based censorship.
Impact on Google, Meta, and Bilateral Trade
This isn't just a legal debate; it's a potential trade war. The Trump administration has been vocal about restoring free speech and ending censorship. Officials worry that these new rules will unfairly target companies like Google and Meta. Just this past November, both countries committed to avoiding discriminatory policies in digital services, a promise the U.S. feels is being tested by this revision.
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